TASCAM PORTACAPTURE X8 PORTABLE RECORDER 8-Channel, WAV/MP3, micro SD/SDHC, 32-bit floating point

Designed for use in field recording, ENG, podcasts, film and interviews, Tascam FR-AV4 is a 2-track field recorder with two combination 6.35mm/3-pin XLR input connections. The handheld recorder is capable of capturing audio at 192kHz/32-Bit floating point and therefore avoiding clipping or low level capture.

The recorder sends and receives timecode via its 3.5-mm input/output for DSLR cameras, and also supports jam-sync for any external timecode devices. When used in combination with the optional AK-BT2 Bluetooth adapter, the user is able to wirelessly sync timecode with supported Atomos UltraSync Blue devices. Wireless monitoring is also an available feature when AK-BT2 is installed. Both wired and Bluetooth monitoring work in parallel ensuring up to two people can listen simultaneously.

The front facing panel hosts a 2-inch colour screen along with four corresponding function keys to navigate and scroll through relevant menus. The six buttons below the screen are dedicated transport controls, doubling as scroll and select when in applicable mode. The underside of the recorder has access to insert 3x AA battery cells into battery compartment, along with a 1/4-inch female thread mount for tripod mounting. The left side of the FR-AV2 houses 2x balanced and locking combination inputs for line or mic level audio in. The right side of the unit features a sliding on/off switch, USB-C port for connection to computer, smartphone, or optional PS-P520U AC adapter; and microSD card slot. See PDF resource sheet for tested and compatible microSD card types. The rear panel houses a port to connect the optional AK-BT2 Bluetooth adapter. The front panel features peak indication LEDs - one for each input; headphone volume control, 3.5mm headphone jack connection, 3.5mm line or timecode output, and 3.5mm external microphone or timecode input.

Battery life

Notes: (1) Inputs 1+2 used, phantom power off, stereo WAV recording at 44.1kHz/24-bit. (2) Inputs 1+2 used, phantom power on, stereo WAV recording at 48kHz/32-bit

Optional accessories: AK-BT2 Bluetooth adapter

Recording formats: 44.1/48/96kHz, WAV. Recording media: microSD/SDHC/SDXC card, 64MB to 512GB. Input impedance: 2kohm or higher, mic; 8kohm or higher, line. Maximum input level: +4dBu, mic; +24dBu, line. Minimum input level: -76dBu, mic. Input frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz, 48kHz, +0/-0.5dB; 20Hz to 40kHz, 96kHz, +0.5/-1dB; 20Hz to 60Hz, 192kHz, +0.5/-3dB. Power consumption: 3.8W maximum. Operating temperature: 0 to 40-degrees Celsius. Dimensions (WxHxD): 99 x 80 x 40mm. Weight: 195g, without batteries; 267g, with batteries.

Tascam X6 Portacapture is a 6-track, 4-input handheld multichannel recorder capable of capturing audio at 192kHz/32-Bit floating point. Designed for use in field recording, ENG, podcasts, interviews, music recording, and ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian response), X6 can record audio from external microphones, via the two 3-pin XLR connections; using the dual A-B/X-Y microphone, or a mix of both.

A 2.4inch, colour touchscreen allows the user to navigate menus and adjust settings including the onboard DSP, which includes compressions, limiting, low-cut, noise gate, and automatic gain control, and reverb. Other functionality including pre-recording, auto-recording, and dual recording modes can be accessed via the on screen menus.

In addition to menu functionality, the touchscreen gives clear indication of channel input levels, output levels, file name, and record duration. Whilst the two 3-pin XLR inputs allow the user to input microphones and/or instruments, including those that require 24/48V phantom power. The phantom power can be individually set (24/48V) for each microphone input channel. There is an additional 3.5mm jack input to use as an audio input for an external camera. A camera/line output with attenuation is provided for linking out. An inbuilt, mono 0.4W speaker can be used as an alternative to the headphone output for monitoring. The optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter allows remote control via Android or iOS device when using the free to download Tascam remote control app.

Portacapture can be powered via USB bus power, optional PS-P520U AC power supply, or 4x AA alkaline/lithium battery cells.

Battery life

Notes: (1) Included mics, phantom power off, stereo WAV recording at 44.1 kHz / 24-bit. (2) Included mics plus inputs 3-4, phantom power on, stereo WAV recording at 44.1 kHz / 24-bit

Included accessories: 4x AA alkaline batteries, manual
Optional accessories: AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter, WS-86 windscreen, PS-P520U 5V AC adapter, AK-DR11Gmk3 and AK-DR11Cmk2 accessory Packs.

Recording formats: 44.1/48/96kHz, WAV; 44.1/48kHz, mp3. Recording media: microSD/SDHC/SDXC card, 64MB to 512GB. Input impedance: 2.2kohm or higher, mic; 9kohm or higher, line. Maximum input level: +2dBu, mic; +24dBu, line. Minimum input level: -75dBu, mic; -53dBu, line. Input frequency response (3-4): 20Hz to 20kHz, 48kHz, +0/-0.3dB; 20Hz to 40kHz, 96kHz, +0/-0.7dB. Power consumption: 7.5W maximum. Operating temperature: 0 to 40-degrees Celsius. Dimensions (WxHxD): 75 x 174 x 37mm. Weight: 265g, without batteries; 365g, with batteries.

Powered by two AA batteries for up to 17hours of continuous use, the DR-05X is a simple and portable tool for making stereo field recordings at up to 96kHz rate and 24-bit depth, in MP3 or PCM (.WAV) format to micro SD (64MB – 2GB), microSDHC (4-32GB) or microSDXC (48-128GB) media. The inbuilt fixed AB orientated omnidirectional electret microphones handle an impressive 125dB SPL, making them suitable for capturing jet engines and heavy metal bands alike, or another source may be connected to the 3.5mm stereo jack input. The recorder has facilities appealing to musicians, as well as journalists. A Dictation Mode enables the user to jump forwards or backwards in increments preselected whilst in the process of playing back a recording. The Dictation Mode can also be combined with specific EQ to aid transcribing. Another new feature in the DR-05X is the ability to use as a USB audio interface by connecting to a compatible computer or iOS device, performing recording and playback functions with DAW or streaming software.

The 128 x 64 pixel blue LCD screen allow users to view settings such as the limiter and 40/80/120Hz low-cut filter, which is switched using the device's menu-based controls. A self-timer function inserts a five or ten second delay between pressing the 'record' button, and the recording starting. A pre-recording buffer of up to two seconds can be applied to help to capture intended recordings. Recordings can be transferred to a computer via USB, using the mini-USB socket on the right side of the unit, though recording division and deletion functions easily located and performed on the DR-05X hardware. Playback is to a 3.5mm stereo jack output on the left side of the unit, or through the internal speaker. A variable speed control, from 50% to 200% of original, with pitch preserved can assist in the learning and transcription of music, especially when used with the mark, loop and repeat functions.

Recording formats: WAV: 44.1/48/96kHz, 16/24bit; MP3: 44.1/48kHz, 32/64/96/128/192/256/320kbps. Microphone input: 3.5mm stereo jack, -20/-4dBV nominal/maximum. Input impedance: 18k ohms, ‘plug in pwr’ off; 2k ohms, ‘plug in pwr’ on. Response: 20Hz-40kHz, +1/-3 dB, 96kHz. Distortion: 0.05%.THD. Noise: -92dB, external input to line output. Line/headphone output: 3.5mm stereo jack, -14/+2dBV nominal/maximum, 12 ohms, 10k ohms load; 20mW maximum, 32 ohms headphones. Speaker: 0.3W, mono. USB transfer/power interface: Mini-B type, USB 2.0 high speed mass storage class. External power source: USB bus power. Internal power source: 2x AA batteries, alkaline or Ni-MH. Dimensions (WxHxD): 61 x 141 x 26mm. Weight: 119g, excluding batteries; 165g, including batteries.

DR-07X is a versatile and portable tool for making stereo recordings at up to 96kHz rate and 24-bit depth, in MP3 or WAV format, to micro-SD or micro-SDHC media, either using inbuilt microphones, or by connecting another source to its 3.5mm stereo jack input. The built-in uni-directional electret condenser microphones can be moved from an X-Y position, for tight imaging, to an AB position, for a 'wider ambient sound'. All other functionality is shared with the DR-05X.

Recording formats: WAV: 44.1/48/96kHz, 16/24bit; MP3: 44.1/48kHz, 32/64/96/128/192/256/320kbps. Microphone input: 3.5mm stereo jack, -20/-4dBV nominal/maximum. Input impedance: 18k ohms, ‘plug in pwr’ off; 2k ohms, ‘plug in pwr’ on. Response: 20Hz-40kHz, +1/-3 dB, 96kHz. Distortion: 0.05%.THD. Noise: -92dB, external input to line output. Line/headphone output: 3.5mm stereo jack, -14/+2dBV nominal/maximum, 12 ohms, 10k ohms load; 20mW maximum, 32 ohms headphones. Speaker: 0.3W, mono. USB transfer/power interface: Mini-B type, USB 2.0 high speed mass storage class. External power source: USB bus power. Internal power source: 2x AA batteries, alkaline or Ni-MH. Dimensions (WxHxD): 68 x 158 x 26mm, when microphones closed; 90 x 158 x 26mm, microphones open. Weight: 130g, excluding batteries; 171g, including batteries.

Tascam DR-40X is a versatile and portable tool for recording up to four tracks at up to 96kHz rate and 24-bit depth in MP3, WAV or BWF format, to SD or SDHC media. Audio can be captured either by using the inbuilt microphones, or by connecting additional sources to its two Neutrik XLR/6.35mm TRS jack combination inputs, which can provide +48V phantom power. The 'dual recording' feature and the playback functionality of the DR-40X make it suitable while writing, rehearsing, recording, and performing alike. Along with the 128 x 64-pixel blue LCD display, the DR40X now features ‘one thumb’ operation for functions such as recording, adjusting levels, erasing sections and adding marks.

A Dictation Mode enables the user to jump forwards or backwards in increments preselected whilst in the process of playing back a recording. The Dictation Mode can also be combined with specific EQ to aid transcribing. The dual recording feature provides two extra modes - 'Dual' mode allows the recording of one input source (mono or stereo pair) to create two concurrent files with different input level settings. The '4CH' mode uses both the internal microphones and the external inputs to record two pairs of inputs as two concurrent stereo files. This multi-tracking functionality can then be best exploited with computer editing software, when recordings have been transferred using the recorder's USB 2.0 connection. Alternatively, some editing can be performed with the DR-40X’s own functionality.

The built-in, cardioid-pattern microphones can be adjusted from an X-Y position, for tight imaging, to an AB position, for a 'wider ambient sound'. The 'peak reduction' function, 'automatic level control' function, the switched limiter, and the low-cut filter (40/80/120/220Hz )are all present, as are the basic recording aids: an 'overdub' mode, which allows one to record over a previous take, while keeping the original; an 'auto record' feature, which starts and pauses recording when the audio input level crosses a definable threshold; a self-timer for delaying the start of recording; a two-second pre-recording buffer; and manual or automatic track incrementation, which can move recording into a new file without a pause. Furthermore, any of six reverb effects can be applied to the audio either during recording or playback.

DR-40X transport controls are on the front face of the unit including the buttons which operate many of the menu-based graphic controls. Dedicated incremental controls for input level and output level are found on the left and front faces of the unit, respectively, and the compartment holding the SD or SDHC card is on the right face, alongside the USB 2.0 port. A photographic tripod may be fitted using the 1/4 inch BSW threaded aperture on the rear, between the internal speaker and battery compartment. The XLR/jack combination input sockets are on the bottom face of the unit, as well as the jack input for control of the unit using the optional RC-3F foot-switch or RC-10 wired remote control, which enable remote starting and stopping of playback, and other functions.

Recording times, based on 2GB SD card:
WAV: 3h 22m, at 44.1kHz, 16-bit; 1h 02m, at 96 kHz, 24-bit.
MP3: 37h 16m, at 48kHz, 128kbps; 14h 54m, at 48 kHz, 320 kbps.
Cards with other capacities and other sample/bit rates give pro-rata recording times for each format.

Recording formats: BWF/WAV: 44.1/48/96kHz, 16/24bit; MP3: 44.1/48kHz, 32/64/96/128/192/256/320kbps. Inputs: 3-pin XLR/6.35mm jack combination sockets, -19/-3dBV nominal/maximum, 2.2k ohms, microphone level; +4/+20dBu nominal/maximum, 10k ohms, line level. Response: 20Hz-40kHz, +1/-3dB, 96kHz. Distortion: 0.05% THD. Noise: -92dB; external input to line output. Line/headphone output: 3.5mm stereo jack, -14/+2dBV nominal/maximum, 12 ohms, 10k ohms load; 20mW maximum, 32 ohms load. Speaker: 0.3W, mono. USB transfer/power interface: Mini-B type, USB 2.0 high speed mass storage class. External power source: USB bus power; PS-P520U AC adaptor. Internal power source: 3x AA batteries, alkaline or Ni-MH. Dimensions (WxHxD): 70 x 155 x 35mm, with microphones closed; 90 x 155 x 35mm, with microphone pair open. Weight: 213g, excluding batteries; 282g, including batteries.

Much like the DR-22WL 2-channel (stereo) digital recorder, Tascam DR-44WLB 4-channel portable recorder has remote Wi-Fi for transport control, file transfer, and audio streaming with compatible smartphones or computers. Designed for interview, live and demo situations, and sound effect gathering, fixed X-Y positioned cardioid stereo condenser microphones and a range of up to 132dB SPL means the signal captured gives the user a wider range of quality recording. Using the built-in microphones and/or microphones connected to either or both of the two balanced/unbalanced XLR combo jacks at either +4 or -10 levels, offers the user up to four channels of mono recording in formats of two stereo files, or one stereo and two mono channels. +48V phantom power is supplied to condenser or ribbon microphones that require it.

A free to download DR Control smartphone app available from Google play for android or App Store for Apple devices. This gives the user direct and remote access to functionality including level adjustment, transport (including record and playback) controls, low-cut filter, and mixing, as well as near real time streaming audio by plugging earphones into the smartphone. The Wi-Fi connectivity, with a range of up to 20m also gives the ability to geocode the audio file from the smartphone's GPS data.

Phones/Line out: 3.5mm stereo mini jack, -14dBV nominal, +2dBV maximum, 20mW+20mW headphone output. USB connection: Micro-B type 4-pin USB2.0. Operating time: approx. 16hrs recording when Mic input selected without phantom power; approx. 12hrs recording when Mic input selected without phantom power. Power supply: 4x AA batteries/USB bus power from a computer/Tascam GPE053B AC adapter. Power consumption: 2.5w maximum. Dimensions: 79 x 162.2 x 42.5mm (LxWxH). Weight: 251g without batteries.

Included accessories: Windscreen, mic grip, shoe mount adapter, AC adapter, case, USB cable, SD card adaptor, 4GB microSD card, owner's manual (including warranty).